This Sour Cream Apple Pie with Walnut Streusel is a creamy, crunchy twist on the classic apple pie. The filling combines tart Granny Smith apples with a smooth, custard-like sour cream base, while the walnut streusel topping adds a sweet, nutty crunch. The result is a pie that’s comforting yet elegant—perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday...Read More

This award-winning apple pie, baked by Eileen Poppleton, took first place at the 2010 Annual Harvest Festival and Apple Pie Baking Contest at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College. Beloved for its rich caramel-like filling, buttery crust, and tender Granny Smith apples, this recipe combines tradition and indulgence. The trick is pouring a buttery...Read More

Ukrainian apple squares are a beloved old-world pastry, often baked during the winter holidays when stored apples begin to soften and need to be used up. Sweet, spiced apples are layered between a tender sour cream–based pastry, creating a treat that is rustic yet elegant. Traditionally cut into squares for easy sharing, these bars are...Read More

Dutch Apple Pie is a cozy, rustic dessert beloved for its spiced apple filling and buttery streusel topping. Unlike the traditional double-crust version, this pie pairs a flaky bottom crust with a crunchy oat streusel, offering a satisfying contrast of textures. This award-winning version—baked by April Kofler, who won second place at the 2010 Annual...Read More

This elegant yet simple dish was first served to me at The Elms, a charming bed and breakfast in Napa Valley that has since closed its doors. The baked pears were presented as a delicate first course while guests waited for the main breakfast to arrive. With their soft texture, buttery caramel sauce, and nutty...Read More

Nothing says autumn quite like pumpkin pie. This classic recipe uses fresh pumpkin purée, warm spices, and a silky custard filling for a dessert that’s rich yet balanced. Baking it from scratch—rather than using canned pumpkin—adds a fresher, brighter flavor, and blending the filling ensures a perfectly smooth texture. Serve with a dollop of whipped...Read More

This caramel apple pie layers tender, tart Granny Smith apples with rich caramel, a buttery crumble topping, and a flaky crust. It’s a festive dessert that tastes even better when made a day ahead, making it ideal for holidays and gatherings. The caramels add a decadent twist—cut them with kitchen scissors (or a sharp knife)...Read More

Rich, buttery, and perfectly chewy, these vanilla honey caramels are a holiday treat worth making at home. Infused with fragrant Tahitian vanilla and the delicate sweetness of honey, they’re finished with a sprinkle of Fleur de Sel—the “caviar of salt”—for a hint of crunch and a balance of sweet and savory. Wrapped individually, they make...Read More

This blackberry pie is a true celebration of summer fruit—and it comes with bragging rights. Winner of second place at our Pie Baking Contest, it’s everything a classic pie should be: a buttery, flaky crust encasing a juicy blackberry filling that’s just sweet enough to let the fruit shine. Whether baked for a holiday gathering,...Read More

This Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart is a show-stopping dessert that’s rich, silky, and completely dairy-free. A smooth blend of dark chocolate, peanut butter, and silken tofu creates a decadent, mousse-like filling, while a crushed Nutter Butter crust adds the perfect salty-sweet crunch. Elegant yet effortless, it’s a dessert that delights everyone—vegan or not—and is...Read More